Effects of dexamethasone and methylprednisolone on cell cultures of human glioblastomas

Abstract

✓ Eight biopsied glioblastomas were propagated in vitro through multiple, serial cell cultures which were exposed to dexamethasone and methylprednisolone in concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 400 µg/ml. The higher concentrations of both steroids produced inhibition of culture growth and cytotoxic damage which appeared relatively nonspecific. Although the responses observed were dose-dependent, the sensitivity among glioma cultures of different origins varied. Of the two steroids, Methylprednisolone was more injurious to glioma cells in vitro and was cytolytic in doses of 400 µg/ml. Growth inhibition was demonstrated after a 1-day exposure to this corticoid, but this effect was usually transient at lower doses. Thereafter, surviving resistant cells resumed their natural rate of growth in the continued presence of the steroid as well as under standard conditions of culture. Potential clinical applications of the antineoplastic properties of corticosteroids against the gliomas are discussed, emphasizing the need to investigate additional, possibly more efficacious compounds.